Say Goodbye to Whatsapp: Experts Reveal the BEST Alternative Messaging Apps You Need to Try NOW!
Introduction
WhatsApp has been one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide for many years. However, with its new privacy policy causing users to question its security and data practices, many are looking for better alternatives.
As experts in the tech industry, we have put together a list of the best alternative messaging apps that you need to try now.
1. Signal
Signal has become a popular choice for many users looking for a more secure messaging app. It offers end-to-end encryption on all messages, voice and video calls, and has a no-logs policy.
Signal also recently added features such as animated stickers and group video calls, making it a strong contender against WhatsApp.
2. Telegram
Telegram has been around for over seven years and is well-known for its customizability and encryption options. It offers self-destructing messages, group chats for up to 200,000 members, and secret chats that are end-to-end encrypted.
Telegram also allows users to broadcast messages to large audiences, making it a great option for businesses and public figures.
3. Threema
Threema is a Swiss-based messaging app that prioritizes user privacy and security. It uses end-to-end encryption, and each user is given a unique ID, which means that no personal information is required to sign up.
It also has a variety of other features such as voice and video calls, file sharing, and polls.
4. iMessage
For Apple users, iMessage is a great option that offers end-to-end encryption on all messages. It also allows for seamless communication between Apple devices, including the ability to share photos, videos, and other files.
iMessage also has fun features such as Animoji and Memojis, making it a great choice for those who want to add some personality to their messages.
Conclusion
There are several great alternatives to WhatsApp that prioritize user privacy and security. From Signal to iMessage, each messaging app has its own set of features that make it stand out.
We recommend trying out a few of these messaging apps and finding the one that works best for your needs. Say goodbye to WhatsApp and hello to a more secure and private way of messaging.
WhatsApp’s new privacy policy is causing many people to reconsider using the messaging app, and experts have suggestions for alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- A new WhatsApp privacy policy has users looking for alternatives.The policy has caused concern that it allows WhatsApp to share messages with its parent company, Facebook.One expert recommended the app Signal, because of its privacy features.
The new privacy policy has some concerned that it allows WhatsApp to share messages with its parent company, Facebook. WhatsApp said recently that users who don’t agree to the policy by May 15 would no longer be able to send or read messages from the app. Fortunately, there are many other secure messaging apps available if you don’t agree to WhatsApp’s terms.
“The best alternative is to switch to a messenger like Signal, which does not collect user data and share it with Facebook or other third-party advertisers, while also providing strong end-to-end encryption for messages,” Ray Walsh, data privacy expert at privacy website ProPrivacy, said in an email interview.
Time’s Almost Up
If you don’t agree to the WhatsApp privacy policy, you’ll still be able to receive calls and notifications, but this reportedly only will be possible for a short period.
If companies like WhatsApp/Facebook hope to leave a long-lasting legacy, they need to appeal to the customers of tomorrow.
WhatsApp claims messages between individuals are end-to-end encrypted, so only their recipients can see their contents. However, under the new policy, messages sent to businesses could be stored on Facebook’s servers and used for advertising purposes.
Pankaj Srivastava, CEO and founder of management and marketing consultancy PracticalSpeak, said in an email interview that the new policy lets Facebook create digital personas that businesses can target for a price.
“Whatever WhatsApp claims now is its intention, it is their ability to marry this new bit of data to an already hefty dossier of Facebook users that Facebook compiles, which is the real threat to privacy,” he said.
The profiles created with the new privacy rules will leave “more users vulnerable to all types of data brokers, invasion of privacy, and algorithms dictating our choices,” Srivastava said.
Not everyone agrees that users will be significantly affected by the new policy, however. Aimee O’Driscoll, a security researcher at technology website Comparitech, said in an email interview that the average user probably doesn’t have much to worry about.
“The new policy could be more of a detriment to businesses than individuals, as it could dissuade customers from communicating via the app, forcing business owners to find alternative means of connecting,” she said.
Alternatives Abound
For users who want an alternative to WhatsApp, O’Driscoll recommended Signal Private Messenger because of its privacy features. “WhatsApp uses Signal’s protocol for end-to-end encryption, but Signal packs additional security features,” she said.
Signal is limited in terms of features and functionality compared to WhatsApp, Srivastava said. It also has more limitations on the size of files users can share, as well as the length of messages.
Messaging app Telegram is another reliable option, O’Driscoll suggested, explaining it’s “not as secure as Signal, as it doesn’t use end-to-end encryption by default, but it’s a more user-friendly alternative.”
The best alternative is to switch to a messenger like Signal, which does not collect user data and share it with Facebook or other third-party advertisers.
Telegram offers many more features than WhatsApp, too. You can edit sent messages and schedule messages, and take advantage of 200,000-member chat groups, compared to WhatsApp’s 256-member chat limit.
But the best messaging alternative will depend on how you intend to use it, Caleb Chen, editor of Privacy News Online at cybersecurity firm Private Internet Access, said in an email interview.
“Just make sure that you read through the “new” privacy policy from the replacement app and make sure you’re comfortable with it,” he said.
WhatsApp seems committed to implementing its new policy, but Srivastava said he hopes the company will reconsider its privacy changes.
“If companies like WhatsApp/Facebook hope to leave a long-lasting legacy, they need to appeal to the customers of tomorrow,” he said. “Which means they need to reevaluate what makes them a better business, not just a bigger business.”
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